Since 2020, MUSC BCCW has been a proud grantee of the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation’s Diabetes Free SC Initiative, which envisions a future free from the burden of diabetes in our state. To help advance this goal, we (1) expanded the School Wellness Initiative to seven additional school districts and (2) piloted the integration of wellness, prevention, and treatment supports in select districts. Within two pilot districts, we embedded evidence-based lifestyle and clinical interventions to support students at risk for or living with diabetes. We also strengthened the capacity of school nurses and local healthcare providers to deliver coordinated, effective care for children affected by obesity, diabetes, and related health conditions.
Expansion to seven new districts was completed by 2023. Participation in the seven Diabetes Free SC supported districts at the school-level continues to increase, as nearly 90% of these schools participated in the 2024-25 school year (increased from 81% in the 2022-23 school year). Engagement also increased as schools achieved higher School Wellness Checklist (SWC) scores and implemented a greater number of diabetes preventing policy, systems, and environmental change strategies.
In 2023, two districts were selected to pilot integration of school-based services aimed at improving the health of children at risk for or living with diabetes. Following the three steps of the Wellness, Prevention, and Treatment Model, the MUSC BCCW team conducted an environmental scan in collaboration with community and school partners. Using the information collected, a resource map of available diabetes prevention and treatment supports was created, and during the 2024-25 SY, the two pilot districts implemented interventions tied to each district's unique resources and needs.
